Focus is the 1970s Dutch progressive rock band best known for the novelty song “Hocus Pocus”—you know, the one with the yodeling. But the song also includes some fierce guitar work by Jan Akkerman, who was, in my view, the greatest guitarist of the rock era. Let the arguments begin. . . .
Focus was much more than just “Hocus Pocus”—their song “Sylvia” (from the superb album Focus 3) was a big hit in Europe and also did fairly well in the United States. One of the band’s very finest compositions is “Hanburger Concerto,” from the album of the same name. The main theme is based on a variation by Johannes Brahms of a theme by the beloved Papa Haydn, which was first played in Hamburg, Germany.
The following clip presents a live performance of part of “Hamburger Concerto.”
Nota bene Akkerman’s guitar solo beginning around the 6:10 mark.
Thanks for this nice mention of Jan Akkerman. I know of no other rock guitarist that has been so consistently outstanding over the course of such a long career.
I like all kinds of music. But fusion and prog rock do have the best guitarists. I can’t change that, even for you, Daniel.
I’m sure I won’t, but this only shows your bias for prog-rock. I’d get into it, but since we’re not talking about real rockers then I’ll just have to let it go. 🙂
Thanks for the question, Daniel. Answer is: Starting after WWII. There is none better than Jan Akkerman. There is competition from John McLaughlin, Robert Fripp, Steve Howe, and a few others, but the three shown in the documentary aren’t even in the same universe as these. Regarding Akkerman specifically, give a listen to “Birth,” the complete version of “Hamburger Concerto,” “Eruptions,” and the like for a good sampling of what he could do–and then dip into his three-plus decades of solo material. You will not be disappointed.
Greatest of the rock era? I think you need to define the dates that encapsulate that era. The incredible documentary, It Might Get Loud focuses on three men, Jack White, The Edge and Jimmy Page, who give Mr. Akkerman a run for his money when it comes to that title.